Shloka 6.79.39

मकराक्षवधः (The Slaying of Makarākṣa)

Devanagari script

तेनास्त्रणहतंरक्षःकाकुत्थ्सेनतदारणे ।।।।सञ्चिन्नहृदयंतत्रपपात च ममार च ।

Transliteration

tenāstreṇa hataṁ rakṣaḥ kākutsthena tadā raṇe | sañchinna-hṛdayaṁ tatra papāta ca mamāra ca ||

Translation

Struck down in battle by that weapon of Kakutstha, the rākṣasa fell there with his heart cleft and died.

Context

Then struck in the battlefield by that missile of Kakuthsa, the Rakshasa fell down with his heart split open and died.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Kakutstha)
• Makarākṣa (the rākṣasa, by context)
• pāvakāstra / astra (implied)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Adharma meets its consequence: when violent aggression persists, dharmic authority may employ decisive force to restore moral order and protect the vulnerable.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma releases the prepared missile; Makarākṣa is mortally struck, falls, and dies on the battlefield.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s righteous decisiveness—ending the threat swiftly once escalation becomes unavoidable.